RTÉ is preparing to bring a fresh dose of glamour to Irish screens as Dancing with the Stars returns on Sunday, 4 January 2026, with Hyundai Ireland confirmed as lead sponsor for a third consecutive year.
The new season on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player will feature 12 well-known personalities pairing up with professional dancers, performing a new routine live each week.
Producers say each couple will tackle a different dance genre—from Charleston to Salsa—with just seven days to rehearse before performing in front of the nation.
The expert judging panel returns with Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne scoring the contestants, alongside public votes.
The winning duo will take home the glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.
Hyundai’s renewed sponsorship represents a significant multi-platform package across television, radio, online and print.
The deal includes 396 Hyundai-credited stings across RTÉ One and RTÉ One +1, as well as during repeats.
It also extends to all live broadcasts on RTÉ Player, catch-up episodes and sponsor branding on dedicated promotional content across RTÉ’s TV and social channels.
On radio, the agreement includes two 10-second credited stings bookending Dancing with the Stars segments on the series’ official radio partner, The Laura Fox Show on 2FM, which airs weekdays from 9am to 12 noon.
The sponsorship also features strip ads in the RTÉ Guide across 11 issues during the season.
Sarah Hayes, Marketing Director at Hyundai Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be back as sponsor of Dancing with the Stars for another season.
“Dancing with the Stars is a proven hit with RTÉ audiences and Hyundai customers, and aligns perfectly with our brand in terms of quality and style .
“We are very excited about the new season starting in January as we head into 261 time in Hyundai dealerships nationwide.”
Gareth Fitzpatrick, Managing Director at Havas Media, said: “We are delighted to support Hyundai Ireland as they renew their sponsorship of Dancing with the Stars.
“The series continues to deliver exceptional reach and emotional connection with Irish audiences, making it an ideal platform for Hyundai to showcase its position as a leader in quality, innovation, and style.”
Ruth Kennedy, RTÉ Video Sponsorship Manager, added: “RTÉ Media Sales are thrilled to announce that Hyundai has renewed its sponsorship of Dancing with the Stars for a third consecutive year.
Presenter, Jennifer Zamparelli and Judge, Brian Redmond Sarah Hayes – Marketing Manager Hyundai Ireland and Ruth Kennedy at the announcement of Hyundai sponsorship with Dancing with the Stars. Picture credit: Damien Eagers / Coalesce
“The hit series, renowned for its sparkle and high-energy performances is the perfect fit for Hyundai to build a connection with its loyal Dancing with the Stars weekly audience of over 480,000 viewers.
“We are all very excited about the new season beginning on Sunday January 2026 and look forward to building on the success of this ongoing association.”
Photo: Presenter, Jennifer Zamparelli and Judge, Brian Redmond Sarah Hayes – Marketing Manager Hyundai Ireland at the announcement of Hyundai sponsorship with Dancing with the Stars. Picture credit: Damien Eagers / Coalesce